The one thing you should never say on Anzac Day after war veteran declared ‘it’s not appropriate’

• Veteran calls out phrase 
• Says it’s not appropriate  

By ASHLEY KNICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 22:56 BST, 24 April 2025 | Updated: 23:09 BST, 24 April 2025

Australians have been warned to avoid saying ‘Happy Anzac Day’ as thousands of people turn out for commemorative services across the country.

On the 110th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli during World War I, dawn services have been held honouring the service of men and women in past conflicts and those serving today.

Some 8,700 Australians died during the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, where 75,000 Anzac troops fought in perilous conditions for eight months, in a battle that has defined Australia’s national identity. 

The day is a time for those enjoying the freedoms of living in Australia to think about those who fought and died in wars across the world.

As Aussies commemorate the day, many on social media are reminding them to remain respectful and avoid saying ‘Happy Anzac day’.

Australians were reminded to avoid saying ‘happy Anzac Day’ on Monday ahead of the Tuesday public holiday (pictured, a dawn Anzac Day service on the Gold Coast)

‘This is an announcement because I have heard someone say “Happy Anzac Day” before,’ one wrote. ‘A reminder that it’s a day of quiet commemoration.’

Another explained that saying ‘Happy Anzac Day’ was insulting to Australians.

‘I (heard this) one time, from an American I was working with. I explained to them it would be like me saying Happy 9/11,’ a third wrote.

‘I have heard lots of people referring to them ‘celebrating’ Anzac Day rather than ‘commemorating’ Anzac Day,’ another said

Veteran David Sieber, who has marched on Anzac Day since 1975, said the word ‘happy’ was inappropriate to use during Anzac Day.

‘Anzac Day is a solemn and respectful day of remembrance and commemoration of those who fought and died for our freedoms,’ he told NewsCorp in 2019.

‘The word happy shouldn’t be used. You say “Happy Easter” and Christmas, but this is a solemn day, and it’s not appropriate. If you say “Happy”, then you include it with other celebrations. Today is an act of remembrance.’

Anzac Day, April 25, marks the first major conflict Australia and New Zealand were involved in during the first World War (pictured, a dawn Anzac Day service on the Gold Coast)

WHAT IS ANZAC DAY? 

Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Anzac Day, April 25, is the anniversary of Gallipoli landing, Australia and New Zealand’s first major military action in the first World War.

Some 8,700 Australian soldiers died in the conflict.

Anzac Day is a public holiday and the lives of soldiers who died during the war are remembered at dawn memorial services. 

Source: Australian War Memorial

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The one thing you should never say on Anzac Day after war veteran declared ‘it’s not appropriate’

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